25 February 2008

The Oscar's are now over...they were a little underwhelming...but that is just my opinion. I suppose it is due to the fact that I had no one really to route for...I haven't seen any of the movies nominated. That all changes once the Oscar's are over because I feel the need to see what all the fuss is about. Once the show began I was routing for Ellen Page in the movie "Juno" as best actress because she is a Canadian from Halifax, Nova Scotia (if for no other reason) and is only 20 years old. The other young 14 year old actress I routed for was Saoirse Ronan from Ireland nominated as best supporting actress for "Atonement". She has 4 films scheduled for release in 2008. I'm sure we will hear a lot more from these young actresses in the years to come.

I am still eating the falafel that I had posted about in an earlier post. This time I baked them in the oven and added them to some Naan bread with tzadziki sauce, tomatoes, lettuce and onions. Very nice. With the falafel dinner the other day I had another recipe from Ricardo Larrivee from his Lebanese meal themed dinner. Fattoush calls for pita breads to be added for which I substituted naan bread. It is a delicious Lebanese salad!!!

Over the past twelve years, Ricardo Larrivee has become a household name in Quebec. He is touted as Quebec's answer to Jamie Oliver. In 2002 he launched a new cooking show on Radio-Canada television as well as a magazine. Both are simply called Ricardo. His television show is entering its third season while his magazine is published five times a year selling over 70,000 copies each issue. There should be award shows for our favourite chefs and up and coming chefs...then I would have someone to route for and be a little better informed. I'm sure there are such awards but they certainly are not televised to 200 countries worldwide.

************************For the Salad :with the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).Brush both sides of the pitas with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Lay them on a baking sheet and bake until crisp, about 15 minutes. Let cool, then break into pieces.

For the Dressing :in a bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

In a salad bowl, combine all the salad ingredients, including the pita pieces. Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss well. Adjust the seasoning and serve immediately.

26 comments:

I missed the Oscars due to the time difference but like you had no one to root for. ( I say root, you say route!) Your fatoush looks great and its nice to learn about local celebrity chefs like your Ricardo

Hi Vall...between yr falafel & my Adana kebabs we're gonna set the foodie world on fire! Love the simplicity & flavours that are coming out of your post.Would love to try this soon. If Turkey in next on your list, looks like Lebanon is on mine!!You are right...there should be award shows for our fave chefs...but if only they show them around the globe!! WAY TO GO!!

I never even think of the Oscars. Like you, I usually have never seen any of the movies and to be honest, the only thing I watch on TV are cooking shows and I am a big fan of "Lost". Otherwise I listen to music, read wine and cooking books and magazines.Just catching up on your posts as I have busy all weekend with Garden Fest here in Key West. Those yammy fries look terrrific! I love sweet potatoes and have never tried the fries yet, although I have seen them. I will have to check out your Ricardo chef as I have never heard of him. Hope your weather is warming up!

Hi sis, this looked like a deja vu recipe but double checked and saw that the date was correct. I bet this is very good as well. I haven't seen the Oscars, actually I don't even know if they showed them in Greece as I don't watch t.v. any more. The only international celebrity we get to see on T.V. is Jamie Oliver.

Oh YAY! I was hoping you'd post the recipe for the Fatoush! Because my mom lives in the Detroit area, middle eastern foods are prevalent and Fatoush is common to find in the deli section of the grocery. I love it very much, but I've never made it.

Val, What a great meal you got there! Looks delicious! I have never been brave enough to make this, but I do venture to the city now and then to visit some great middle eastern grocery stores to purchase these goodies.

I've known Ricardo since years. I own his cookbook and magazines. He is really famous in Quebec. I'm glad he's of Food TV now. He has great recipes. Whenever we have family gatherings we try new recipes by Ricardo. I've been making lebanese food since I was 18 yrs old. To this day fattoush is my favorite salad.

I was disappointed that the young actress from Atonement didn't win for best supporting actress. She gave a truly riveting performance. And thanks for the fattoush recipe. It's one of my all-time favorite Middle Eastern dishes!

Fatoush is my favorite salad. Are you familiar with the middle eastern spice Sumac? Traditionally, Fatoush is dressed with a sprinkling of sumac, olive oil and lemon juice. If you have a middle eastern store nearby, you must try it. It is a wonderful spice. Also, Zaatar is another spice to sprinkle on naan or pita bread drizzled with olive oil.

This whole meal looks perfect, Val! So you baked the falafel this time - at what temperature and for how long? I do love falafel, but I hate frying them. I don't like frying anything actually, don't like dealing with hot oil.

There was not much of a fuss here about the Oscars. But you should definitely see Atonement and Juno. Beautiful cinematography and music in the former.

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My blog More Than Burnt Toast has been my passion for almost 12 years and has evolved with me over time as I have gained confidence in the kitchen. Follow my travels through Italy and Greece one recipe at a time, upcoming cooking classes at local Okanagan wineries and restaurants, as well as daily experimentation in my own kitchen. Every day we should be excited about what we are eating even if it just means making use of a wonderful find at our local farmers market. I look forward to getting to know you.